Claudia Sheinbaum Wins 2024 Mexico Presidential Election Amid Historic and Violent Polls
3 min read
Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Claudia Sheinbaum has made history as she is set to become Mexico’s first female president following her victory in the 2024 presidential election, according to exit polls. The 61-year-old former mayor of Mexico City, representing the ruling party, secured around 58 percent of the votes, as estimated by the Enkoll polling firm. Her main opposition, Xochitl Galvez, an outspoken senator and businesswoman with Indigenous roots, garnered about 29 percent, while centrist candidate Jorge Alvarez Maynez received around 11 percent.
Sheinbaum’s win is a landmark event in a country where gender-based violence and criminal activities are rampant. Despite the violence that plagued the electoral process, thousands of troops were deployed to protect voters across the nation. This election season saw more than two dozen aspiring local politicians murdered, highlighting the severe risks associated with political participation in areas controlled by ultra-violent drug cartels.
Claudia Sheinbaum has officially won the 2024 Mexico Presidential Election.
— Pop Base (@PopBase) June 3, 2024
She becomes the first woman President in the country’s history. pic.twitter.com/bsVpjwf4rI
After casting her ballot, Claudia Sheinbaum hailed the election day as “historic.” Interestingly, she revealed that she had not voted for herself but for 93-year-old veteran leftist Ifigenia Martinez, in recognition of her lifelong struggle for democracy. “Long live democracy!” Sheinbaum declared.
For many Mexican women, the election of a female president symbolizes a significant transformation. Clemencia Hernandez, a 55-year-old cleaner, expressed hope that Sheinbaum would champion women’s issues, including addressing domestic violence and supporting women in the workforce. Daniela Perez, a 30-year-old logistics company manager, acknowledged the historic nature of the election, while emphasizing the need for improvements in women’s rights and the fight against femicides.
The nearly 100 million registered voters in Mexico, a country with a population of 129 million, participated in the election. Sheinbaum’s popularity is partly attributed to her association with outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a leftist mentor with an approval rating exceeding 60 percent. Lopez Obrador, however, is limited to one term.
Claudia Sheinbaum, a physicist-turned-politician, was born to Jewish immigrants from Lithuania and Bulgaria. Although she takes a secular approach to her faith, she has acknowledged her Jewish heritage in the past.
Claudia Sheinbaum is Mexico’s 1st female President
— nazir afzal (@nazirafzal) June 2, 2024
Climate scientist, feminist, leftist & pro-Palestinian Jew
She has a PHD & shared a Nobel prize
Her Republican US neighbours will not attend her inauguration – who cares?
Congratulations Mexico
Congratulations President Claudia pic.twitter.com/MVT62XkleA
The election period was marred by significant violence. Hours before polls opened, a local candidate was murdered, joining at least 25 other political hopefuls killed this season. In Puebla, two people were killed during an attack on polling stations, while voting was suspended in two municipalities in Chiapas due to violence.
Sheinbaum has committed to continuing Lopez Obrador’s controversial “hugs not bullets” strategy, which aims to tackle crime at its roots rather than through military confrontation. Her opponent, Galvez, advocated for a tougher stance against cartel-related violence, stating that “hugs for criminals are over.”
The new president will also face the challenge of managing relations with the United States, particularly concerning drug smuggling and migration. In addition to electing a president, Mexicans voted for Congress members, several state governors, and numerous local officials, totaling more than 20,000 positions.
Sheinbaum’s victory marks a significant milestone for Mexico, promising potential advancements in gender equality and a continued focus on addressing the country’s deeply entrenched issues of crime and corruption.
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Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
